The future of cancer care will be based on precision oncology, which uses individual tumor molecular profiles to provide the correct drug to the appropriate patient at the appropriate time. This approach might deliver precise results with minimal side effects and enhanced treatment success rates. However, the vision fails to materialize in reality because current tools remain centralized and needs advanced infrastructure together with specialized/trained staff and prolonged procedural time. The lack of laboratory capabilities in healthcare settings can be addressed through Point-of-Care (POC) testing which enables diagnostic methods to be performed near or at the site of patient care thus linking laboratory capabilities to practical healthcare delivery. The technology is capable of delivering specific diagnostic tests at bed-side, and in particular in remote areas. The implementation of POC testing enables precision oncology to become practical allowing for prompt medical decisions. POC systems allow for continuous tracking of relapse, resistance and response. POC testing serves as an essential component of precision oncology because it enables personalized care more quickly and directly to patients. This review synthesizes current and emerging POC platforms for oncology, evaluates their analytical performance, clinical readiness, and regulatory landscape, and identifies unmet needs that must be addressed to enable routine adoption for diagnosis and monitoring.

Impact statement
The possibility of reaching precision oncology solutions cannot be considered apart from a quick monitoring of therapeutic efficacy. In order to tailor therapies for cancer patients, the development of point-of-care devices would open to easy and quick response by specialists and patients, also strengthening the concept of telemedicine.